Experts say Russian forces plan to enter Dnipropetrovsk region by May 9
Photo: Russia wants to enter Dnipro region by May 9 (Getty Images)
Russian forces intend to enter the Dnipropetrovsk region by May 9. During the Moscow parade, Vladimir Putin wants to demonstrate that his forces are making progress in Ukraine, stated military expert and former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Ihor Romanenko, in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
“Russian forces are trying to accomplish other tasks, advancing towards Dnipro. Putin wants to show during the parade that he is completing the final phase of the 'special military operation',” Romanenko said, adding that Putin also wants to enter the Dnipropetrovsk region.
However, he noted that it is unclear how successful the Russian army will be.
“The resources the Russians had have been used up. I qualify this escalation as the first phase - the expansion, the scaling of hostilities on the front lines. But the second phase, in the summer and fall, will depend on the outcome of the first phase and whether they find additional resources,” the expert explained.
He reminded that Russia plans to mobilize 160,000 people this year. The spring conscription is ongoing, and another one will take place in the fall.
“Considering this situation, Putin is doing his best to seize these lands, particularly the regions that have been added to their constitution. There have also been proposals from both Witkoff and the Trump team. Kellogg just said that Ukraine won’t agree to this. Therefore, the situation is escalating, and in the coming week or two, it will be clear how it will unfold,” Romanenko added.
Russia is preparing for a new offensive
Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Pavlo Palisa, recently warned that Russian forces could intensify offensive operations at the frontlines in late April and May. The Pokrovsk direction remains a priority for the Russian army.
The enemy may also advance on the eastern fronts near Kupiansk (Kharkiv region) and Lyman (Donetsk region), as well as on the southeastern fronts in the Zaporizhzhia and Novopavlivka areas.
Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that Russia has already launched a new offensive targeting the Kharkiv and Sumy regions.
According to Syrskyi, Ukraine has observed nearly a twofold increase in Russian offensive actions over the past week.
He noted that Russia aims to create a buffer zone in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions.
